REVIEWS OF ANURADHA PAL- STAR TABLA VIRTUOSO, PERCUSSIONIST, INDIAN MUSIC

Press Reviews.......

“Bangkok’s 9th International Festival of Dance and Music, was graced by the presence of HRH Princess of Thailand, Mahachakri Sirindon where Anuradha Pal, one of India’s leading and most innovative percussionists presented Stree Shakti, Asia’s much acclaimed all female percussion ensemble. Anuradha Pal kept the audience spellbound playing the Tabla at a mind blowing speed mesmerizing all those present with her rhythms using traditional instruments like Mridangam, Kanjira, Ghatam and moorsing along with Sitar. The ensemble producing some really powerful beats performing expertly, with vigorous energy and with amazing coordination. A memorable performance!”
- The Bangkok Post, 2007.

“With charisma, charm and wit Anuradha Pal welcomed us to an engaging glimpse of the Tabla at the New England Conservatory( Boston,USA). As she spoke about her instrument, her life and her music, I sensed an artist who beautifully fuses her deep respect for tradition and her spiritual upbringing with youthful energy, broad perspectives and boundless ambition. As she played, she smiled with the innocence of a ten year-old and gazed at us with deeply telling and sensitive eyes. With breath-taking technique and imagination, her Tabla was as versatile as a language and told a story through tones, inflections and rhythm. One of the most important lessons watching her was the way she presented the Tabla. She was dynamic, made us laugh, impressed us, and took us for a ride in rhythms.”
India Abroad, USA, 2006.

“She has not just shattered the stereotypical image of women musicians but has established herself as the country’s only professional woman Tabla player who is pushing the dimensions with her experimentations. Today, Anuradha Pal’s name commands the greatest respect due to her immense talent and undiluted hard work”.
- http://www.the-south-asian.com/sept2004/anuradha_pal.htm

“Tabla maestro & music composer Anuradha Pal- Raising the standards of musicianship”
-BBC Folk roots magazine, 1998.

“Anuradha’s superior skill, speed & tremendous clarity coupled with a perfectionist approach, gives her a winning edge over other Tabla players” -The Tribune, 1997.

“ Anuradha Pal- Breaking free of boundaries- Long ago, she broke a male bastion in music… & now, India’s first female professional Tabla player is poised to become so famous that she needs no introduction”.
-India Weekly, Australia, 2000.

“30 leading Women of India- Tabla Phenomenon Anuradha Pal!” - India Today, 2000.

‘‘Ideals of an Idol- adventure diva Anuradha Pal- a percussionist par Excellence’ - Rave Music Magazine, June 2004.

“Synchronization and perfect balance coupled with wonderful tonality, clarity and immaculate presentation makes Anuradha’s accompaniment with Hariprasad Chaurasia special”. - Japan Times 1998.

“Anuradha’s superior skill, speed and tremendous clarity coupled with a perfectionist approach, gives her a winning edge over other Tabla players.” - The Tribune 1997.

“Her performance could well be a benchmark for women’s foray in the male dominated world of Tabla players. Hence, it is not surprising that Anuradha Pal is called the most influential female musician of Indian classical music.
- A.V Max music Magazine, 2001

‘Tabla star turns the tables.. Anuradha Pal mesmerizes with her astounding mastery over the Tabla”.
- Straits Times, Singapore, 2001.

‘Animated Tabla under her control. .’’ - Times of India, 1995.

“Anuradha Pal, the country’s celebrated Tabla player has many firsts to her credit. Apart from being the only woman to have ever mastered this difficult art from Ustad Alla Rakha, she has gone beyond her guru’s celebrity glare. Today, she stands as a woman known for her talent, her firm ethics and one who has made it big on her terms. Anuradha is that kind of fiery artist who has not only talked the talk but also walked the walk.”
-The Afternoon & despatch courier, 2002.

“Tabla Wizard... Beyond her years” - The Tribune, ’97

“The audience matched their applause with her rhythmic magic” - Times of India, 2001

“Prodigy Anuradha Pal- walking the unbeaten path” - Indian Express, 1996.

“Fastest fingers first.” - Bombay Times, 2001

“Anuradha Pal- breaking free of boundaries. Long ago she broke a male bastion in music…& now India’s first female professional Tabla player is poised to become so famous that she needs no introduction.”
- India Weekly, Australia, 2000

“Exceptional mastery by Anuradha on Tabla! Zakira in the making!” - The Midday, 1988.

“Anuradha steals many a hearts.” - The Tribune, 2001

“Her pulse throbs to another beat.” - Afternoon, 1987.

‘We were virtually aware of the vigour & force of Durga through Anuradha’s throbbing drums.’ - Indian Express, 1998

Heralding a musical revolution-Another male bastion stormed” - Sunday Observer,1996.

“Anuradha Pal wows music lovers in Dallas… intense energy, vigor and clarity of beats as a result of superb training and years of dedicated practice.”- Indo American News, ’93

“Petite and barely in her teens, Anuradha Pal almost brought down the house with a rousing recital of the Tabla playing Teental. Anuradha’s mastery over the Tabla is undoubtedly exceptional. She plays with a spirited verve and obvious enjoyment. It would be no exaggeration to say that she is a ‘Zakira’ in the making.”
- Maharashtra Times-1987

“Rapturous applause ...her command over different layakaris casting a magical sway over the packed audience. Amazing knowledge, control & balance reflects in every performance. An outstanding consistent performer.”
- Punjab Kesari 2001.

“Phenomenal Talent Anuradha Pal displayed virtuosity beyond compare. Her fingers danced on the Tabla, her eyes flashed, her face spoke and her entire frame lit up as she played like one possessed.” - The Midday, 1994.

“Top class musician, Anuradha has enhances the star appeal of the Tabla. The hard work she has put in, her one tracked involvement, her unwavering dedication has paid off. She has acquired the skills from top class gurus, practiced like one possessed and arrived at the age of 21.” - The Afternoon, 1994.

“A power packed solo performance by Anuradha. An instant rapport with the audience, delectable blend of all traditional gharanas with an individual stamp of creativity, spontaneity, & improvisation with power & clarity is characteristic of Anuradha Pal’s style.” - The Tribune, 2001

“The energetic percussionist Anuradha Pal utilises every aspect of the Tabla’s body with the finesse of an Ustad…’’
- A.V Music Magazine, 2001.

“Wah Ustad!” - The Bombay Times, 2000.

“A great musician-Anuradha held the audience spellbound. No repetition, no pause... Just a continuous flow of sound energy making a deep impact on the listeners. And she got applause, often & thunderous”
- The Afternoon & Despatch courier newspaper, 1995.

“Marching to a different beat, Her rendition keeps her audience enthralled as she plays the Tabla with a natural ease that has been honed by perseverant practise.” - The Sunday Observer, 1993.

“Meet Ustad Alla Rakha’s fourth son-the favourite Pal of the Tabla- Anuradha Pal…” - The Midday, 2002.